I saw Ruud van Nistelrooy do three things at PSV that make him perfect for the Man United job

Ruud van Nistelrooy is often seen in the technical area on the shoulder of Erik ten Hag. The Manchester United manager might be looking over his.

Ten Hag has survived the international break many thought he wouldn't and will be in the dugout for the visit of Brentford this weekend. The FA Cup final victory over Manchester City granted the 54-year-old a stay of execution in May and despite a fumbled start to the season United are sticking with Ten Hag for now after a summit meeting of the Old Trafford power brokers.

But it's surely only a matter of time before a change in the dugout is made and, with Thomas Tuchel now instilled at Wembley to lead England, perhaps the man most likely is current assistant Van Nistelrooy. While his managerial resume doesn't leap off the page and would lead some to make comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, delving a little deeper reveals the Dutchman has the depth to deliver. He is very hands-on in his coaching role at United, while players and staff noted during the pre-season tour that he is obsessed with defensive shape.

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He spent just a sole season in charge of PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, finishing second in 2023. But his side took four points off eventual champions Feyenoord and did the double over fierce rivals Ajax. Indeed, that Feyenoord side were led by current Liverpool chief Arne Slot.

"I loved going up against Slot," said Van Nistelrooy. "His teams have a very recognisable style and he is very clear in his ideas. He built the Feyenoord squad on those ideas, and he got in the players who could deliver on